In an interview with Screen Rant, Denim Richards shared his thoughts on Colby’s tragic death in Yellowstone’s most recent episode. Colby, attempting to save young Carter (Finn Little) from a disobedient horse, is fatally kicked numerous times in a painful moment that left viewers and characters alike reeling. Colby marks the third death of Yellowstone season 5, part 2 after patriarch John Dutton (Costner) and villain Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri). Reflecting on his time with the show, Richards said:

Richards also delved into the challenges of keeping Colby’s death a secret and how it affected him on and off set:

On balancing his role as an actor and his personal connection to Colby, Richards reflected on how he managed his emotions, grateful for the perspective the experience allowed him to gain:

Finally, Richards talked about his involvement in filming Colby’s final scene, revealing the mindset he worked to embody:

What Colby’s Death Means For Yellowstone
The Ranch Hand’s Accident Reflects The Harsh Realities Of Ranch Life

Colby’s death in Yellowstone season 5 adds to an already staggering body count in recent episodes, which includes Costner’s John Dutton, whose death was partially driven by behind-the-scenes drama and the departure of the renowned actor. Last week then saw the death of corporate shark Sarah Atwood, who had put a target on John’s back.

This trail of significant deaths underscores the stakes for the remaining Yellowstone characters as they navigate the fallout of these losses. Colby’s death serves not only as a heartbreaking end for a beloved character, but also as a catalyst for the emotional arcs of those left behind. Teeter (Jennifer Landon), Colby’s partner, must now cope with the grief and guilt of losing a loved one, while Carter faces the weight of responsibility and the trauma of witnessing Colby’s final moments.

The show’s use of death as a narrative device reinforces its themes of survival, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of ranch life. “He’s a cowboy. Suffering’s the job,” Teeter had said. Each loss compounds the precariousness of the Dutton family’s fate as the group continue to pick themselves up after John’s death, all the while figuring out ways to get money fast to save the farm. Ultimately, Colby’s heroism in saving Carter reflects the deep bonds that have formed among the ranch’s cowboys, even in the face of tragedy.

Our Take On Colby’s Death In Yellowstone
A Pivotal Moment In The Western’s Final Season

Colby’s death is a gut-punching moment for Yellowstone’s final season. Denim Richards brought warmth and relatability to Colby, making his loss especially hard for viewers to process. Teeter’s heartbreak and Carter’s guilt are likely to resonate in the episodes to come, providing opportunities for the two to come together in solace. Colby’s sacrifice, though devastating, is a fitting tribute to his role as a loyal and selfless cowboy. As Yellowstone nears its conclusion, Colby’s death reinforces the western TV show’s commitment to exploring the fragility of life and the strength of those left to carry on.